SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The Evangel Valor conclude their home slate, hosting the 25th ranked Southwestern College Moundbuilders on Saturday (Nov. 9) afternoon at 1:05 p.m. for senior day. Saturday's broadcast is brought to fans by MC22.
Tickets can be purchased online, by clicking here, or at the gate, card only.
OPENING STORYLINES
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Evangel ninth-year head coach Chuck Hepola enters Saturday's contest with a 60-32 overall record, the second most wins by a football head coach at Evangel, just six wins behind former head coach Keith Barefield (66).
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Evangel was picked to finish tied for first in the Kessinger Division coaches poll, but were the lone first place choice in the media poll by a single vote. In the Bissell, Kansas Wesleyan was picked over last years division champ, Ottawa. Southwestern was picked to finish in third in the Kessinger preseason coaches poll.
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The Valor are ranked #21 overall in the latest edition of the NAIA Top 25 Coaches Rating. The Valor began the season at #14, but dropped despite winning their first seven games of the season, two of which were against #19 Friends and previously ranked #24 Kansas Wesleyan. In the KCAC, McPherson is currently receiving votes with Friends ranked at #20 and Southwestern at #25.
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Evangel and Southwestern match up for just the third time in program history, as Evangel looks to extend their 2-0 lead against the conference opponent. The Valor were victorious last season on the road, scoring a touchdown in the final moments, 17-14.
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The Evangel rushing attack has been a big piece to the Valor offense, as they average 215.5 rushing yards a game.
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Bradley Myers leads the Valor defensively, currently with 96 total tackles this season. Myers' 12.0 tackles per game currently ranks second in the nation.
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Jonah Edwards has been consistent all season, currently 12-12 for FG kicks, hitting a season long of 42 yards, and 31-31 on PATs. For his strong play, Edwards was named to the Fred Mitchell Watchlist, an award given to the top place-kicker in the nation, regardless of division. Edwards also is currently tied for fourth for single season field goal makes (12) and second in career field goal makes (34).
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Evangel's 19-game regular season winning streak was broken last Saturday, which was one of the top marks in the NAIA.
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The Valor hold a 261-231-3 all-time record in their 47 years as a collegiate team.
LOOKING AHEAD
Valor Football competes in their final regular season matchup of the 2024 season, traveling to North Newton, Kansas, to take on the Bethel Threshers.
For the latest information on Evangel Athletics, visit Facebook at Facebook.com/EvangelValor, Twitter (@EvangelValor), or EvangelAthletics.com. Fans can also receive updates on their favorite EU teams by downloading the Evangel Athletics Gameday App through the App Store or Google Play.
—#OneValor—
